Not everyone can say that they get to do what they love for a living, but for David Shalloway, his love of candy making incorporated into C-ville Candy Company is a pretty sweet gig.

How did you get your start in making candy and how did the C-ville Candy Company originate?

Candy making has long been a hobby of mine. There is a real magic to it. I had been making candy as gifts for friends, and just for the joy of people at work. Then came the classic beginning of a business; people started wanting to buy my candy and the C-ville Candy Company was born.

Why did you choose honey as a key ingredient for your brittle?

Many of my candies use honey. In every case I carefully select the most appropriate variety, as it plays a very important role in the complexity of the flavor. The key ingredient in my Orange Cashew Honey Brittle is orange blossom honey. It brings the essence of the orange flower into play, with the flavor of toasted cashews and a bright citrus flavor. My other signature Honey Brittle is Extra Toasty Peanut and clover honey is the perfect fit for it.

Do you use honey in producing other products at your company?

My fudges all use honey, both for flavor, and to achieve a very fine texture. C-ville’s Coconut Cashew Crunch incorporates my Orange Cashew Honey Brittle into a dark chocolate bark that really brings out a “Wow.” I also use honey in my Almond Toffee. Here again, it adds a distinctive flavor and also serves as a natural substitute for the syrup  that other candy makers often use.

What is your best selling item and why do you think that this item sells so well?

My Honey Brittles are top sellers when I set up at the local farmers market. When I give out samples of them, they really surprise and delight people with their depth of flavor. Almond Toffee Crunch is a top seller with my retailers. Its appearance really draws attention and the flavor of this dark chocolate bark brings them back.

Honey is a natural sweetener, do you think that we will see more candy manufacturers using honey in their products in the future?

With all the benefits that honey brings to candy, I expect it will grow in popularity. My Honey Brittles were my first candies, and are still at the heart of my company. I plan to feature honey in many of my new creations because of its unmatched flavor.

What are the future plans for the C-ville Candy Company and are there any new products that you will be introducing?

C-ville Candy Company has been growing for five years now. This year I will continue growth by increasing production capabilities. I also plan to develop a much improved website at cvillecandy.com. New products are always in the works. A chocolate-enrobed Honey Caramel will be coming out this fall.

Do you make candy made with honey? Get them listed here by emailing info@bakingwithhoney.com